The Social Page - Addressing Envelopes

Addressing Envelopes

Traditionally, invitations are addressed by hand, in many cases, brides hire a calligrapher for a neat and professional touch.
The outer envelope is addressed with the guests' full name followed by the address. The inner envelope is addressed with the last names of the guests.
Typically, each adult member of a family receives an invitation, ie., seperate invitation sets should be prepared and addressed to parent and each individual child over eighteen years of age. Unmarried adult children should also be offered the option of inviting a guest.
If children under eighteen are invited, their names go on a line beneath their parents names on the inner envelope.

Examples

Married Couple

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

With Children Under 18 Years Old

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith and Family
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce (space) Stacey and Jim

Woman Kept Maiden Name

Outside Envelope: Mrs. Tracy Stephens (space) and Mr. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce (space) Stacey and Jim

Man is Doctor

Outside Envelope: Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Woman is Doctor

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith or Dr. Tracy Smith and Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Both are Doctors

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith or The Doctors Smith or Dr. Tracy Smith and Dr. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Man is a Judge

Outside Envelope: The Honorable and Mrs. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Woman is Judge

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith or The Honorable Tracy and Mrs. Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Divorced Woman

Outside Envelope: Mrs. Tracy Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Guest

Divorced Woman Resumed Maiden Name

Outside Envelope: Mrs Tracy Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Guest

Unmarried Couple Living Together

Outside Envelope: Ms. Stephens and Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Married Couple

Outside Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Bruce

Widow

Outside Envelope: Mrs. Tracy Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy

Single Woman

Outside Envelope: Ms. Tracy Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy

Single Woman and Date

Outside Envelope: Ms. Tracy Smith
Inside Envelope: Tracy and Guest

Single Man

Outside Envelope: Mr. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope:Bruce

Single Man with Date

Outside Envelope: Mr. Bruce Smith
Inside Envelope:Bruce and Guest